First congressional district candidates debate for final time before GOP Primary

COFFEE COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — Both incumbents vying for a seat for the newly drawn first congressional district — Representative Jerry Carl and Representative Barry Moore debated for the final time in Enterprise as the Republican Primary is over one week away.

First Congressional District Representative Jerry Carl and Second Congressional District Representative Barry Moore answered questions and addressed concerns from Wiregrass residents during a campaign stop at the Coffee County Republican Women’s meeting.

Wiregrass counties are now looped in with some of the Mobile area counties in the Gulf Coast.

“It’s so rewarding to come home we have been serving these people for quite some time and they understand our record and they know who we are,” says Moore.

“Everything about the Wiregrass I like they are great people whether they are for you or against you,” says Carl.

The District One candidates were asked about national concerns like immigration, border policy and the economy.

“10 million people have come across the southern border in the last 36 months, that is double the population in Alabama so we have to put teeth in the law you cannot count illegals in the census so they dont displace American voters,” Rep. Moore says.

“We have to enforce remaining in Mexico, finishing the wall, and getting these people back home,” says Rep. Carl.

But while there are similarities between both candidates — both incumbents with a chance to represent their hometown and they align on the same issues, they say their differences will stand out.

“This is the 6th most conservative district now, I’m the most conservative from the Alabama delegation, the House Freedom Caucus guy, and the most effective conservative Republican from Alabama,” says Rep. Moore.

“I don’t just talk the talk I walk the walk,” Rep. Carl said.

Another difference during the debate, Representative Carl called out Moore for having seven tax liens.

“Margaret Thatcher said if they attack you personally there’s not a political argument left,” said Rep. Moore. “I’m going to run on my record.”

However, both candidates say they will not only work for their hometown area but all of the new district one.

“Wiregrass don’t want to be Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast dont want to be Wiregrass we have to focus on Fort Novosel,” Rep. Carl said.

“We got to open an energy policy drill here drill now, and stop government spending because you’re working harder for your dollar,” says Rep. Moore.

The final message both candidates have is to get out and vote on March 5th.

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